Water sample analysis to be conducted by the Vanuatu Department of Water after more than 100 sea cucumbers washed ashore.

Over 100 sea cucumbers, mostly sandfish species have recently washed ashore on Valevale Beach at Pango.

Most of them were found to be still alive but weak, according to observations by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) Impact Data Team.

The cause of the unusual phenomena is still unknown however, observations have revealed muddy sea water color which could indicate contamination from runoffs during last week’s rainfall, said the Climate Research Officer at the Climate Division, John Ruben.

“This is yet to be confirmed through a water sample analysis to be conducted by the Department of Water,” he said.

Earlier this month, a lot of dead fishes were found floating in the Emten Lagoon. Residents assumed it resulted from reasons like a flooded lagoon after prolonged rainfall and have called for a test to determine the cause.

Officers from the Department of Fisheries also went to Valevale Beach to carry out observations on the sea cucumbers.